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Career Coach & Education Consultant

Helping people make confident career choices and universities build career services that work.

Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach | Harvard-trained | EU career expert

About

The world of work is changing faster than education and career systems can respond. I help students, professionals, and universities navigate this complexity, drawing on 15+ years of experience in higher education, career design, and strategic communications.

I co-founded Avenirs, an AI-powered career guidance platform for young people, and the Albanian Career Development Association, to strengthen professional standards in career practice. I also contribute to leading European career guidance and skills networks, including CEDEFOP, ETF, and IAEVG.
 

My work combines strengths-based coaching for individuals and teams, executive leadership training, and hands-on experience across European education, mobility, and labor market contexts.

Current focus

  • Applying CliftonStrengths® to career and leadership decisions

  • Supporting EU career mobility for students and professionals

  • Bridging education and labor market needs.

Services

Career & Transition Coaching

Helping people facing career decisions, changes, or next steps. We clarify priorities, explore options, and define practical moves.

Focus areas:

  • Clarifying direction and priorities 

  • Career changes and transitions

  • Strengthening CVs, applications, and interviews

Best for: Students, graduates, and early-career professionals.

Strengths-Based Coaching

Using CliftonStrengths®, I help individuals and teams turn talents into practical habits that improve performance and trust.

Focus areas:

  • In-depth assessment and debrief

  • Strengths-based leadership development

  • Mapping team strengths and dynamics

Best for: Managers, team leaders, and teams.

Career Systems for Universities

Designing career services that connect education to real career outcomes.

Focus areas:

  • Career service strategy and implementation

  • Employer and alumni engagement models

  • Tools, manuals, and programmes 

Best for: Universities and initiatives focused on career guidance and employability.

Strategic Positioning & Ghostwriting

Supporting leaders and institutions to communicate clearly, build trust, and strengthen their personal and organizational brand.

Focus areas:

  • Positioning and narrative development

  • Thought leadership and content strategy

  • Writing, editorial support, and ghostwriting

Best for: Rectors, directors, and senior professionals.

Intercultural Training & Expat Integration

Guiding professionals and organizations through Albania’s professional and cultural landscape.

Focus areas:

  • Intercultural communication and workplace norms

  • Leadership and decision-making in a new context

  • Professional and practical integration support

Best for: International staff, expats, and organisations supporting relocation.

Why Work with Xhafer

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Evidence-Based

Connecting research-driven practice with career & education challenges, applied with care for people.

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Unique Perspective

Combining Gallup, GCDF and EU career experience with hands-on practice.

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Systemic Approach

Integrating work with individuals, teams, and leaders across institutions for practical solutions.

How We Work

The Diagnosis

A 30-minute call to identify your current challenge and clarify your next step.

The Map

Tailored strategies from one-to-one coaching to institutional redesign.

The Execution

Regular sessions supported by tools, reflection, and accountability.

The Result

Clearer direction, stronger positioning, and measurable impact.

Testimonials

Project Lead, national university initiative

“Xhafer helped us redesign career services for thousands of students. The impact was visible in engagement and opportunities.”

Early-career leader, international organisation

"Strengths coaching with Xhafer changed how I approach my career and leadership decisions. It felt both rigorous and human."

Leonardo, Master Student, Italy

"The session with Xhafer was eye-opening and informative. It helped me recognize my mistakes and set me on the right path."

Contact

The Purpose Letters

Practical insights for professionals and educators on careers,
skills, 
and meaningful work.

Connect with me

  • LinkedIn
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